Possum or Groundhog? Northeast Alabama Picks Its Springtime Predictor

The Weekly Ledger
6 hours ago
2 min read

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Community News

NORTHEAST ALABAMA — Every year as February rolls around, the same lighthearted debate sparks conversations across coffee shops, front porches, and social media feeds throughout Northeast Alabama: Who do you trust more to predict the seasons — a groundhog from Pennsylvania or a possum from Sand Mountain, Alabama?

Across the country, attention turns to Punxsutawney Phil, often jokingly referred to by locals as “Pixton Phil.” Since 1887, the famous groundhog has been predicting whether winter will linger or if an early spring is on the way. The tradition is beloved nationwide, drawing crowds and media attention each year.

However, when Phil’s predictions are compared with actual weather data, studies show his accuracy falls between 36 and 39 percent, meaning the iconic groundhog has been wrong more often than right over the decades.

Here in Northeast Alabama, though, tradition looks a little different.

Rather than relying solely on a groundhog hundreds of miles away, many locals proudly place their trust in Sand Mountain Sam, the area’s own possum predictor. While Sam doesn’t have more than a century of folklore behind him, local tracking over the past decade paints an impressive picture. According to those records, Sand Mountain Sam’s predictions have aligned with real seasonal outcomes roughly 85 percent of the time — a statistic that never fails to bring a smile to longtime residents.

Of course, no one is claiming Sam is a trained meteorologist. He doesn’t consult weather models, satellites, or radar. And that’s not really the point.

What makes this annual rivalry special isn’t scientific precision — it’s community pride.

Just down the road, traditional Groundhog Day festivities at Pixton Field continue to draw loyal supporters, offering a familiar ritual filled with anticipation, crowds, and hope that warmer days are near. Meanwhile, Sand Mountain residents celebrate their own homegrown tradition, enjoying the friendly rivalry that comes with choosing sides.

In true Sand Mountain fashion, the fun isn’t about being right — it’s about the conversation, the laughter, and the sense of togetherness these traditions inspire. They give neighbors something to talk about, something to share online, and something to look forward to during the coldest stretch of the year.

So as winter hangs on — or maybe starts to fade — the question remains:

Do you trust the legendary groundhog from Pennsylvania,

Or the possum from Sand Mountain who just might know our weather a little better?

Either way, one thing is certain: traditions like these bring Northeast Alabama together and remind us that even in winter, there’s always room for a little fun.

So, Northeast Alabama — who gets your vote this year?

Who gets your vote this year?

0%Sand Mountain Sam
0%Punxsutawney Phil

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